Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has blamed short notice and inadequate information for the non-approval of its facility for the lecture to be delivered by the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, made this known on Sunday in a press statement.
He stated that the students’ group that proposed the lecture did not duly inform the university authorities of “the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.”
The university spokesperson emphasised that it was important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of Obi’s status required adequate prior notification to the university authorities.
The notice, he said, was to enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements, including proper liaison with relevant security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the university community and the general public.
The spokesperson said consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete the critical arrangements, the university authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers.
Olarewaju stated that the decision was taken purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of university facilities, adding that it was not, “in any way, a reflection of disregard for the person or status of His Excellency, Peter Obi, whom the University holds in high esteem.”
He said the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire was, and remained committed to supporting intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided that due process was followed and adequate notice was given.
“Members of the University community, students and the general public are therefore enjoined to always comply with laid-down procedures in planning events within the University because we all are partners in progress for the overall development of the University,” the spokesperson said.
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